3 things India need to do right in the 2nd Test vs South Africa ft. Washington Sundar's role

India are primed to lock horns with South Africa in the second and final Test. The encounter will commence at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday, November 22.

The hosts were beaten in rather embarrassing fashion in the series opener at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. There's no doubt that they need to do some serious introspection, with their World Test Championship hopes taking a significant hit.

Gautam Gambhir and the think tank have come under heavy criticism in recent times, and India simply must be at the top of their game from a tactical perspective if they are to pull level in the two-match rubber.

India's squad for the Test series vs South Africa: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk) (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.

South Africa's squad for the Test series vs India: Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Lungi Ngidi.

On that note, here are three things India need to do right in the second Test against South Africa.

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#3 India need to prepare a sporting track

Asia Cup Cricket - Source: Getty

This goes without saying. India can't afford to prepare another track like the one that was dished out at the Eden Gardens. The wicket had uneven bounce for the pacers and appreciable turn for the spinners right from the first session. That brought South Africa into the game, and the fourth innings was the worst of the lot.

In Guwahati, India must ensure that a traditional subcontinental deck is rolled out. While that would make the toss important, the hosts will be able to back their superior strength in both departments to outplay the visitors over the course of five days. Visiting teams have often benefited from rank turners in recent times, and the same cannot continue.

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#2 Washington Sundar needs to be used with the ball

India v South Africa - 1st Test - Source: Getty

In the first Test, Washington Sundar was used at No. 3. He was also the fourth spinner in the pecking order, barely used with the ball despite his impressive performances in recent times.

Sundar is entirely capable of replicating what Simon Harmer did in Kolkata. The Tamil Nadu off-spinner gets considerable drift and turn, and is also one of the most accurate bowlers in the side. Giving him a prominent role won't be a bad idea, even though the Proteas don't have a great deal of left-handers in their ranks.

Sundar moving back into the middle order would also ease out his workload, enabling him to become a potent weapon.

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#1 There's no room for Axar Patel in India's current Test team

India v South Africa - 1st Test - Source: Getty

This might be a bit harsh, since Axar Patel has largely been a massive asset in home conditions. He is an assured player of spin and a decent option with the ball in helpful conditions, having bailed India out of trouble on numerous occasions over the last few years.

However, Axar might not have a spot in the current team. Four spin options is overkill, and the other three have clearly done enough to warrant their places in the playing XI. Moreover, the left-hander makes the lineup very skewed, and Shubman Gill's impending absence will only make things worse.

Dropping Axar and bringing in Nitish Kumar Reddy is something India must do if they are to restore parity in the series.

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Edited by Sai Krishna